Introduction
Before getting into the meaning of Proverbs 13:8, here’s different Bible translations:
King James Version
The ransom of a man's life are his riches: but the poor heareth not rebuke.
American Standard Version
The ransom of a man's life is his riches; But the poor heareth no threatening.
World English Bible version
The ransom of a man's life is his riches, but the poor hear no threats.
Proverbs 13:8 Meaning & Commentary
The ransom of a man’s life is his wealth, but a poor man hears no threat. Proverbs 13:8 (ESV)
To understand this verse better, let us look at The Message version: Proverbs 13:8 The rich can be sued for everything they have, but the poor are free of such threats.
You see, even financial advisors and TAX planners advise wealthy people not to have all their assets openly visible but rather to try and hide their assets. The reason is that people may see their assets and want to “go after them.” Whether or not there is a valid reason to sue them or not is beside that point, but if they see someone who has wealth, they want a piece of it. This is why wealthy people sometimes stack their wealth in “alternative investments.” These alternative investments can include things such as watches, precious metals, paintings, etc. These are “non-traditional” investments, but often people will purchase these to “store” or “hide” their wealth.
Now, another way to look at this is that a wealthy person has “ransom” or the ability to get themselves out of trouble through their wealth. They sometimes act brashly, knowing that they can call on their wealth if they need their wealth to “bail them out” of bad situations. This is empowering for a wealthy person.
A famous comedian recently said some controversial things and was at risk of having his platform and influence removed; however, he did not care that much. He did not care that much because he already had loads of money, and essentially his wealth was there to “ransom” him or to have his back, per se. If it were a struggling new comedian in that same position, he likely would have had to tone his jokes down to please the people, as he would have no wealth with which to “ransom” himself.
Application
How can we apply Proverbs 13:8 to our lives?
Most importantly, we need to trust in God – not in our own worldly wealth to protect ourselves. Wealth can come and go, but our relationship with God is what stands the test of time:
1 Timothy 6:17 As for the rich in this present age, charge them not to be haughty, nor to set their hopes on the uncertainty of riches, but on God, who richly provides us with everything to enjoy.
God has already paid the ultimate price to ransom us from sin and hell: Romans 5:15 But the free gift is not like the trespass. For if many died through one man’s trespass, much more have the grace of God and the free gift by the grace of that one man Jesus Christ abounded for many.
If God has given us the free gift of salvation, how much more can we trust God to walk with us daily, help, guide, and lead us? He has the power and the ability to “ransom” us from every negative situation or circumstance. We also need to pray daily and ask God for Wisdom – which is the ability to apply the knowledge and understanding that we have effectively!
We need to pray for Wisdom as often as we can and know that God hears us and will answer our prayer: James 1:5 If any of you lacks wisdom, let him ask God, who gives generously to all without reproach, and it will be given him.
God’s wisdom is better than actual physical wealth, and a man who has understanding from God is better positioned than someone who only has wealth: Proverbs 28:11 A rich man is wise in his own eyes, but a poor man who has understanding will find him out. If you have physical wealth, also be wise – don’t put all your eggs in one basket and diversify your wealth. If we use God’s Wisdom and steward our wealth well – it can be a blessing to both ourselves and others!
Prayer
Mighty God, I thank You for paying the ultimate ransom by sending your Son, Jesus to the cross for me. I thank you whether I have a little or a lot; I know you are with me.
Once again, I ask for wisdom today and thank you for imparting a supernatural ability to me to live life effectively. I pray and ask this all in Jesus’ name. Amen!
